The first began operation in Shanghai in 2004, followed in 2005
by a Japanese system called Linimo, which runs at only 60 mph, 20
percent of the top speed the JR Tokai predicts for the new maglev
train.

Japan is already served by high-speed bullet trains, but maglev
systems offer numerous advantages. As they are frictionless, they
are faster and quieter than trains that use wheels, and are not
impacted by bad weather.

JR Tokai plans to build a train that will seat nearly 1,000
passengers that will be in operation by 2027, and expand service
to Osaka by 2045.